Texas. Legislature. Senate. Committee on Education

The Texas Senate Committee on Education is a standing committee concerned with all aspects of education in public schools and with higher education in state colleges and universities in Texas. State agencies within the committee's jurisdiction include the State Board of Education, the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation. Chairmen of the Committee during the years represented in these records are: Senators Oscar Mauzy, 63rd-66th Legislatures, 1973-1979; W. E. "Pete" Snelson, 67th Legislature, 1981; Carl Parker, 68th-72nd Legislatures, 1983-1991; and Bill Ratliff, 73rd Legislature, 1993.

The Senate Education Committee was at the center of public education reform and public education financing, engaged in such activities as doing research, holding hearings, and drafting legislation. Public school education reform was highlighted with the passage of House Bill 72 (68th Texas Legislature, 2nd Called Session) in the summer of 1984. This reform act was formulated by the Select Committee on Public Education, appointed by Governor Mark White and chaired by Dallas businessman Ross Perot. Senator Parker was a member of the Select Committee. HB 72 provided equalization formulas for state financial aid for public education, initiated competency testing for both entering and existing teachers, and set academic achievement as a priority in public education with the adoption of a no-pass/no-play rule prohibiting students scoring below 70 in any class from participating in sports and other extracurricular activities.

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